A former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Major General Umar Mohammed has indicated his decision to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the upholding of his conviction for stealing and misappropriating funds belonging to the company.
After what appeared like a stalemate at the Court of Appeal, the army general said he was heading to the apex court to test the decision of the appellate court delivered on February 9, 2026.
The senior officer’s appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging his conviction by a Special Court Martial only succeeded in part before the three-man panel.
General Mohammed had appealed the judgment of the Special Court Martial by the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ Gar), which convicted and sentenced him on allegations of misappropriation of funds belonging to a private limited liability company, Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), with the Nigerian Army as the only promoter and of which the ex-general was incidentally one of the shareholders.
The retired general, who worked as the Managing Director of the company, served under the then Chief of Army Staff, who doubled as the Chairman/Managing Director, taking directives and orders from him on every expense made and monies spent.
He said in a statement on Monday that his trial could be likened to the statement credited to former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, after the 1983 coup d’état while responding to his detention, trial, and conviction.
“It is like when a bus driver is involved in a traffic accident, you leave the driver and hold the conductor (driver’s mate) responsible.”
The Special Court Martial found the ex-general guilty while the person who allegedly gave the orders and directives is enjoying liberty and freedom.
“I feel that the trial is characterized by intrigue and witch-hunt, and I believe that I am going to get justice and clear my name. This is the reason I am appealing to the highest court in the land.
“What is even more intriguing is the fact that the Nigerian Army is seeking to enforce an order that was not made by its own court, the Special Court Martial, in relation to accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN), without consequential orders of restitution.”
Information available showed that the ex-general has filed a Motion for Leave to Appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal, with Motion No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CR/174MI/2026, asking the Supreme Court to set aside part of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and to nullify the judgment of the Special Court Martial.
However, the legal team of the ex-general declined to speak to the media, saying that the matter is sub judice, as it is before a court of competent jurisdiction for consideration.
The Court of Appeal had upheld the conviction and sentencing of former Major General Mohammed for allegedly stealing and misappropriating funds belonging to the company.
In the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, the appellate court dismissed Mohammed’s appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Court Martial and the validity of its verdict.
The former senior military officer was earlier tried and convicted by the court martial on October 10, 2023, for offences bordering on stealing and criminal misappropriation of funds belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited.
